EDDIE Jones’ RBS 6 Nations squad has ruffled more feathers than anyone expected and with the Calcutta Cup looming, it’s time for the debutants to stake their claim for a place.
Of course, we’ve been here before. Following Stuart Lancaster’s appointment four years ago, we saw a similar shake up and a captaincy change, Jones’ announcement has been no different. Since his appointment he has been attending Aviva Premiership games every weekend and the talk has all been about who he will pick, who he won’t and, more controversially, who will be his captain.
Jones announced his squad on 13th January and referred back to his initial interview in which he announced he would select players “who expressed themselves” because he “wanted to increase the tempo” of English rugby.
Many Lancastrian stalwarts lost their place in the squad following the disastrous World Cup campaign including Brad Barritt, Geoff Parling and Tom Wood, all of whom have been replaced by in-form young prospects itching for their test debut. Danny Cipriani, yet again, has been left out despite his recent form, perhaps a place on England’s summer tour to Australia to aim for.
None of the omissions will be despairing more than Tom Youngs – two summers ago a British and Irish Lion and now cast out into the wilderness. His omission firmly cements Dylan Hartley’s position as the premier hooker in the squad despite his career bans costing him 54 weeks out of the game and place on the Lions tour and in England’s World Cup squad.
The new arrivals possess as much excitement and quality as Stuart Lancaster’s did at the start of the 2012 Championship; centre Elliot Daly and forwards Jack Clifford and Maro Itoje are among the most exhilarating selections. Daly for his strong running and long boot, Clifford and Itoje for brute power and intelligent loose play.
There are also recalls for flyers Chris Ashton and Marland Yarde who have been amongst the tries this season, but one would suggest the wingers berths belong to stand-out World Cup performer Anthony Watson and Exeter’s Jack Nowell, despite a recent injury.
This week Eddie Jones has named Hartley as England skipper for the Championship, citing his “aggressive and uncompromising approach to playing rugby” as the main reason for his appointment. To some, a risky captain who has had his fair share of second chances; to others, a player who can be calmed down slightly with responsibility. This didn’t stop Hartley, Northampton Saints’ captain for over 5 years, calling referee Wayne Barnes “a f***** cheat” during the Aviva Premiership final 2013 – resulting in a red card and loss for his side.
He succeeds Chris Robshaw, the ‘nice guy’ of English rugby, as Eddie Jones states, “the only risk would be not to take a risk”. “I’ve learned my lessons”, said Hartley to the press at the announcement. We’ve all heard that before. His rap sheet includes eye-gouging, head butting, punching, biting and elbowing.
Since replacing Stuart Lancaster, Eddie Jones has made it very clear that things will be done differently and Hartley’s appointment is a clear indication of that. Hartley will be the spearhead of a confrontational pack looking to dominate the 6 Nations. His only saving grace is his exemplary disciplinary record in an England shirt, at least Wayne Barnes cannot referee England matches.
Eddie Jones’ England Squad in full:
Full-back: Mike Brown (Harlequins), Alex Goode (Saracens),
Wings: Chris Ashton (Saracens), Jack Nowell (Exeter), Anthony Watson (Bath), Marland Yarde (Harlequins),
Centre: Elliot Daly (Wasps), Ollie Devoto (Bath; injury replacement for Manu Tuilagi, Leicester), Jonathan Joseph (Bath), Sam Hill (Exeter; injury replacement for Henry Slade, Exeter)
Fly-Half: Owen Farrell (Saracens), George Ford (Bath)
Scrum-Half: Danny Care (Harlequins), Ben Youngs (Leicester)
Back Row: Jack Clifford (Harlequins), James Haskell (Wasps), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins), Matt Kvesic (Gloucester; injury replacement for Dave Ewers, Exeter), Billy Vunipola (Saracens)
Second Frow: Maro Itoje (Saracens), George Kruis (Saracens), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Courtney Lawes (Northampton), Josh Beaumont (Sale),
Hooker: Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter), Jamie George (Saracens), Dylan Hartley
Prop: Dan Cole (Leicester), Paul Hill (Northampton), Matt Mullan (Wasps), Joe Marler (Harlequins), Henry Thomas (Bath; injury replacement for Kieran Brookes, Northampton), Mako Vunipola (Saracens)
Sam Hawthorn
Featured image: Huffington Post